The Sprouting of a Blog - Looking Back & Looking Forward
I hope you will allow me the indulgence of a quick look back at Grow Your Writing Business.
Observations
Most of you are experienced bloggers, but this may be of interest to those contemplating a blog, or just starting out.
My first post and my induction into bloggerdom was in late December. Now some 48 posts and 245 comments later, I’m seeing an increase in regular visitors and familiar names in the comments, which is great. It’s like an every widening circle - the ripple effect in action, as visitors discover other blogs through my site, and vice versa.
I’m not sure how important a Technorati ranking is, but I’ve found it fascinating to see an increase in incoming links from other blogs - thank you 
- and my Technorati ranking rising. I link out too, but this has all happened naturally, not by any strategic means. It really shows the collaborative and interactive nature of the blogosphere. A good metaphor for this is the flower map.
From Audience to Community
I realise now I need a stats counter, and My Blog Log, as I have no idea how many visitors have called in, which is a shame. I’d also like to put a face to the name of visitors, which makes it seems more personal.
What I do know is that in the course of all that activity, as I have come to “know” you more, I feel that the Grow Your Writing Business visitors, have changed in my mind from an audience to a community. That means a lot to me.
I appreciate you leaving your comments, as I love the concept of a blog as a conversation, and it gives me further insight into what is of interest, and to getting to know you.
Looking Forward
I am still reflecting on your valuable feedback from the Am I Talking To You meme, plus what I have learned from SOAP and Blog Tipping. I learn so much from the generosity of other bloggers, and from visiting other sites. Once I’ve thought it all through, I will make some changes, which will improve the blog, but will also retain the essence of what we have built here.
Thank You
Thanks for being part of the Grow Your Writing Business Community. The future looks exciting.
Hi, Yvonne,
Come to think of it, your flower map tickled my interest in blogging. Before that I thought I would just be blogging to myself. Now I wish I had more time in my hands. I know now that I have a sure thing to look forward to when I retire. Thanks to your smile in the 2000 Bloggers sea of faces!
Happy weekend, Yvonne.
Princess
Hi Princess
The flower map was fun, wasn’t it? I’m pleased you’ve become a regular visitor, and that you chose to visit my site through the 200 Bloggers.
All the best
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne.
I like your words “widening circle - the ripple effect in action.” Very well said.
It gives me a sense of high whenever I receive comments from new and regular visitors. The increasing number of people who visit my site is really a gift and an inspiration to continue blogging.
Like you, I’m excited and motivated to continue sharing things about myself and special things/events/people in my life.
I’m glad that my Aunt Princess has led me to your site. Looking forward to getting to know you more through blogging.
Take care!
hi, Yvonne, am new here, from Rachel’s. same here, i started blogging only last november 06, a month after i took early retirement. you know what? because of blogging, there almost was no transition from retirement to life after. in fact, i have been enjoying my life since then, i have gained a lot of friends, and i have shared a lot of myself to others through my writings. also through my writings, i have come to be known, widened my network, and without knowing it, i have been accepting some writing assignments. i guess, i will be visiting more often. God bless
Hi Rach
Thanks Rachel. I enjoy your comments as much as I enjoy visiting your wonderful site. The web really is a wonderful network, and way to share.
All the best
Yvonne
Hi sexy mom
I love to have new visitors, and I really appreciate it when they leave a comment. I look forward to your future visits.
All the best with your writing.
Yvonne